[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 762]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT PHILLIP A. BOCKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2008

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I want to pay tribute to a hero from 
my congressional district, Sergeant Phillip A. Bocks of Troy, Michigan. 
Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this 
incredible young man who died serving his country.
  Phillip Bocks was not one to back down from a challenge. From the 
time he was five years old, Phillip insisted on skiing adult courses, 
and at age fourteen, joined a hockey league even though he had never 
worn a pair of ice skates. While in high school, Phillip was a member 
of the swim team, acted in plays, and developed a flair for cooking.
  After graduating from high school, Phillip joined the Marines in 2000 
and was assigned to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center 
in Bridgeport, California. As an instructor, Phillip trained Marines 
how to survive and fight in rugged terrain. On November 9, 2007, while 
on a mission to a village near Aranus, Afghanistan to make sure the 
residents had medical supplies and food, Sgt. Bocks was killed in an 
ambush.
  My thoughts, prayers, and deepest gratitude for their sacrifice go to 
Phillip's family. There are no words that can relieve their pain and I 
can only offer to convey my deep respect and highest appreciation.
  Madam Speaker, Sgt. Bocks gave the ultimate sacrifice not only for 
the freedom and security of his family and our country, but for the 
people of Afghanistan. I wish to remember his bravery and selflessness 
as he is honored today.

                          ____________________